Webb Fontaine Nigeria Boss, Babalola Laments Trade Data Wastage

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Global internet service provider giant, Webb Fontaine Nigeria has said there is an unprecedented huge volume of trade data in the nation’s port industry that are not been utilized, even as he maintained that the firm is top of its game in providing optimal services for the operation of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Speaking during a town hall meeting organised by JournalNG at the Rockview Hotel, GRA Apapa Lagos, the Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Nigeria, Mr. Ope Babalola said he believed that the recent launch of the National Single Window (NSW) project by President Ahmed Tinubu will resolve unused trade data wastages by increasing its optimal connectivity.

“Nigeria has so much trade data but we are not using it. Therefore there should be seamless collaboration between NPA and customs to promote the Port Community System PCS.

“In other climes, the volume of trade data we generate here is pure gold. Town hall meetings like this should create more awareness about what it’s all about”, he said.

Babalola who was delivering a paper on the Port Community System (PCS) lauded the recent presidential launch of NSW, noting that the project will benefit the country.

He explained that the PCS can run under the NSW conveniently, targeting port users primarily with a view to achieving a centralized and inclusive all stakeholders connectivity.

Babalola called on stakeholders to support the PCS initiative in furtherance to boost port operations; even as he harped on regularly town hall meeting that will aid trade facilitation and seamless cargo clearance.

He dispelled complaints in some quarters about claims of internet server downtime and explained that whereas its services is tailored towards achieving continual improvement, combined infrastructural environment often beyond his firm’s control sometime contribute to the occasional challenges being experienced.

He listed the challenge of constant electricity availability as example of such contingency.

“One beautiful thing is that the people who are on ground and at the operational level are sitting here. So, I’m optimistic that some of the issues here will be gainfully addressed.”

This is even as the Webb Fontaine helmsman disclosed that the firm is already in talks with Starlink for technical partnership aimed at achieving improved internet services for port operational efficiency, through faster and reliable internet connectivity. Starlink is one of the subsidiary firms owned by Elon Musk.

Babalola added that the IT firm has a good relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service saying Webb Fontaine has been committed to working for the success of the NCS in its revenue generation drive.

Other speakers at the town hall meeting chaired by leading industry resource person and advocate of ports development, Mr. Lucky Amiwero includes the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko; and panelists, including Chief Increase Uche.

In his welcome address, organizer of the town hall meeting and CEO of JournalNG, Mr. Ismail Aniemu said the criticality of a responsible, centralized data and information portal for efficient service delivery in the port industry can no longer be pretended about.

He urged players and operators including agencies of the federal and state governments to harmonise and streamline information windows for a seamless interconnectivity